5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for a 2008 Ford F-250 Towing a 2012 Keystone Cougar

Question:

I have purchased a 2008 F250. Now I need a 5th wheel kit. I am looking at purchasing a 2012 Keystone Cougar. What kit do you recommend, given this setup?

asked by: David D

Expert Reply:

The first thing you are going to need in your 2008 Ford F-250 is an installation kit. There are different installation kits available. You could use a universal kit like # RP30035. Universal kits require more drilling and take longer to install.

What I recommend is a custom kit like # RP50082-58. Custom kits come with custom fit brackets to fit the specific frame design on your truck. This means less drilling is required and installation takes about half the time compared to a universal kit. I have included a link to the installation instructions and a link to a video showing a typical installation for you.

For a 5th wheel hitch. you are going to want to look at the gross trailer weight of the 2012 Keystone Cougar to determine the capacity you will need. You will also want to check the owners manual to determine the towing capacity of the truck to make sure it can handle the trailer.

For a 16K hitch with a secure double-jaw and 4-Way pivoting head I recommend the Reese hitch # RP30047 if you have a long bed truck. If you have a short bed then you will need a slider in order to make tight turns. Round tube sliders offer the most travel (12 inches) so I recommend # RP30075 for 16K capacity.

If you determine you need a higher capacity hitch then I have included a link to the 5th wheel hitch main page for your truck. Just select the bed size to see all of the options.